GM recalls 55,000 trucks and SUVs for steering-column defect

The 2013 Chevy Silverado is one of the trucks and SUVs recalled by General Motors for an issue with the steering column.

The 2013 Chevy Silverado is one of the trucks and SUVs recalled by General Motors for an issue with the steering column. (General Motors)

David Undercoffler

GM announced on Friday it was recalling 54,686 trucks and SUVs for an issue with the vehicles' steering column.

The recall includes a slew of models, including the Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado, Tahoe and Suburban; the Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT, and Escalade ESV; and the GMC Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Savana. All vehicles are 2013 models and were manufactured between Nov. 7 and Dec. 18, 2012.

This defect could allow the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly because it can be shifted out of park after the key has been removed from the ignition or without the driver pushing on the brake pedal.

Alan Adler, a GM spokesman, says no injuries or accidents have been reported as a result of the defect. Most of the vehicles affected are still on dealer lots, and will be fixed before being sold to consumers, Adler said.

GM will contact owners of the affected vehicles by mail starting on Jan. 22.

The news of this recall comes just a few weeks after GM recalled 119,000 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks from the 2010 to 2012 model years. The vehicles were found to be missing a latch on the hood, leading to the possibility of the hood opening while the trucks are in motion.